Country music legend Reba McEntire is officially returning to the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards), where she will serve as host for a record-breaking 17th time. The iconic entertainer will also perform brand-new music live during the 2024 broadcast, promising a night that blends tradition with fresh excitement for fans around the world.
A Historic Milestone
The 59th ACM Awards will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The event will stream live and exclusively on Prime Video, making it accessible to millions of viewers across more than 240 countries and territories.
Reba McEntire’s return as host is more than a familiar face—it’s a milestone moment. With 16 prior appearances as host, this year will mark her 17th time leading the ceremony, solidifying her position as the most frequent ACM host in history. This record surpasses other country music icons like Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.
“I’m tickled to pieces to get to host the ACM Awards for the 17th time,” Reba shared in an official statement. “What an honor to have been part of the past, present, and now the future of the Academy of Country Music with Amazon Prime Video. I can’t wait to get to Texas and see everybody May 16th.”
Streaming Access for Global Viewers
Fans eager to watch the ACM Awards live can tune in via Amazon Prime Video, starting at:
- 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- 7:00 p.m. Central Time (CT)
- 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT)
To access the show, viewers can use either a standard Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99/month or $139/year) or a standalone Prime Video plan ($8.99/month). Amazon also provides a 30-day free trial, allowing new users to stream the ACM Awards at no cost.
This global streaming strategy continues the ACM’s partnership with Amazon, which began in 2022 and has since redefined the show’s reach by bringing country music to international audiences.
A Performance You Won’t Want to Miss
In addition to her hosting duties, Reba will be taking the stage to debut brand-new music. Although the title of the new song has not been revealed, fans are already speculating that it may be part of a future album or an upcoming tour.
This live performance is especially notable because it marks Reba’s first new music debut on national television in several years. Given her continued success—including winning Season 25 of The Voice as a first-time coach—it’s clear she remains a powerful and relevant force in entertainment.
Star-Studded Performer Lineup
The ACM Awards are known for featuring top-tier performances, and the 2024 show is no exception. Some of the confirmed artists who will join Reba onstage include:
- Lainey Wilson
- Jelly Roll
- Miranda Lambert
- Thomas Rhett
- Kane Brown
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Jason Aldean
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani (duet)
This diverse mix of seasoned superstars and newer voices ensures that the 2024 ACM Awards will offer something for every country music fan.
Reba’s Deep Roots with the ACMs
Reba McEntire’s connection to the Academy of Country Music runs deep. Over the span of her career, she has received 16 ACM Awards, including honors such as:
- Entertainer of the Year
- Top Female Vocalist
- Milestone Award
She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011, and her return to host the 2024 show underscores the respect and admiration she continues to earn within the industry.
ACM CEO Damon Whiteside stated, “No one has a deeper and richer history with the Academy than Reba. She’s a beloved icon who has hosted this show more times than any other artist in history. There’s simply no one better to helm this show.”
Social Media Buzz and Fan Excitement
Reba announced her return on Instagram with a playful caption:
“Oh hey @ACMawards, have you missed me?”
Fans responded overwhelmingly with enthusiasm, flooding the comments with messages of support, excitement, and gratitude. The anticipation for her performance and new music is a clear indicator of her enduring appeal.
The ACM Awards in the Streaming Era
This is the second year that the ACM Awards will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video, marking a significant shift in how award shows are distributed and consumed. The format offers more freedom for the show’s producers while eliminating traditional time-slot constraints of network TV.
With no commercial breaks and a tighter, more music-focused runtime, the ACMs have successfully modernized their format to keep pace with today’s viewing habits. For fans, this means more performances, more excitement, and a better overall experience.
Why You Should Tune In
- Reba McEntire will make history by hosting the ACM Awards for the 17th time
- She will also perform never-before-heard music live
- The show features a lineup of the hottest names in country music
- The event is free to watch with a Prime trial and streams globally
Whether you’ve been a fan of Reba for decades or you’re discovering country music for the first time, the 2024 ACM Awards promise to deliver an unforgettable night filled with talent, surprises, and heartfelt performances.
Conclusion
The 2024 ACM Awards is not just another awards show—it’s a celebration of both tradition and evolution in country music. With Reba McEntire at the helm, the event will balance the genre’s legacy with its ever-evolving future. Fans across the globe will be able to witness one of country music’s most celebrated icons making history yet again, backed by a cast of today’s top stars.
Mark your calendar for May 16, 2024, and prepare to experience a night of music, memories, and milestones.
Sources
- Taste of Country – Reba McEntire to Host 2024 ACM Awards
- People Magazine – Reba McEntire to Host and Perform at ACM Awards
- Southern Living – Reba’s Return to the ACM Awards
- Backstage Country – Official Press Release
- Decider – How to Watch the 2024 ACM Awards
